Instructor Class Description

Introduction to Communication I

Introduces students to four core principles that undergird the study and practice of communication - communication literacy, research inquiry, theories and concepts, and community engagement. Principles discussed and developed in the context of international communication, political communication, and communication technology and society.

Class description

The study of communication is at the heart of understanding how we create, represent, and experience reality. Communication as a process is not simply putting together words that we have decided happen to go together; rather, communication is the means by which we make known our values; persuade, encourage, or tell off others; pursue our ideals; and ultimately make ourselves fully human. In this course we will explore the world of mass communication in all its beauty, wonder, and (too often) absurdity. OUR WORLD IS A MEDIA WORLD. We have grown up with media as part of our daily lives, and, like a fish in water, we are usually not aware of the environments — either water or media — around us. In this course, we will survey the origins and functions of all major media, from language to print, film, television, and computer technologies. More importantly, we will look at the way in which these media interact with human society, in particular our core identities of gender, race, and age, as well as one’s sense of national heritage. The operative phrase for this course is “communication literacy,” with a specific focus on mass communication — I want you to leave knowing how to “read” media messages in a thoughtful way, and, if you go on to become a working member of the media, to begin learning how to produce media messages in a thoughtful manner.

Student learning goals

The course will enhance student critical thinking

The course will help students synthesize various and even contradictory material

Students will be able to better engage in intelligent discussions and debates

Guide students in various theoretical and conceptual notions to mass media

The course will give students certain tools they need to become more informed consumers of mass media

Students will be know the essentials about how ingrained mass media is in a modern globalized society.

General method of instruction

This class will be a mixture of lectures, class activities and student led discussion.

Recommended preparation

Class assignments and grading

Assignments have not been determined as of yet. Check back to the course website a week or two before the start of classes for more information.

The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.Course website
Last Update by Jason A Gilmore
Date: 08/21/2013

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Modified:April 23, 2014